Saint Paul Energy Benchmarking: Now Under Minnesota’s State Program
What happened to Saint Paul's benchmarking ordinance?
Saint Paul benchmarking began with a 2019 City ordinance that required commercial, multifamily and public buildings over 50,000 square feet to benchmark their energy and water use. In 2025 the City discontinued its ordinance to avoid duplication, and the State of Minnesota took over.
Large Saint Paul buildings now report to the Minnesota Large Building Energy Benchmarking Program, run by the Department of Commerce. Reports are due every June 1, and benchmarking is still required.
Which Saint Paul buildings must comply now?
Saint Paul is in Ramsey County, part of the seven-county Twin Cities metro area. Under state law, a property is covered if:
- its buildings total 50,000 gross sq ft or more, and
- it is served by an investor-owned utility such as Xcel Energy.
This includes commercial, multifamily (five or more units) and public buildings. Manufacturing, power generation, mining and agricultural buildings are excluded. Owners can request a one-year exemption for financial distress, occupancy under 50%, no certificate of occupancy, a demolition permit, or no energy service for 30 days.
What is the penalty for non-compliance?
- Notice: owners who miss June 1 receive a notice from the State around June 15.
- Grace period: owners then have until July 15 to comply, which can be extended to August 15.
- Fine: after that, the Department of Commerce can impose a civil fine of $1,000.
- Full public disclosure: unlike the old City ordinance, the State publishes every building’s results.
What is the compliance process?
Saint Paul owners still benchmark in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, but now submit through the State’s portal:
- First, find your State Building ID and add it to your property in Portfolio Manager. The State assigns its own IDs.
- Next, upload 12 full months of whole-building energy data. Request aggregated data from Xcel Energy where tenants are separately metered.
- Then run Portfolio Manager’s Data Quality Checker and share the property with the State.
- Create an account in the State’s benchmarking portal and complete the Energy Reporting Form.
- Finally, submit your annual report by June 1.
What is the deadline for Saint Paul benchmarking?
Saint Paul buildings report to the State by June 1 every year, covering the previous calendar year.
Next deadlineJune 1, 2027 for calendar-year 2026 data
The State posts results publicly each December 1. If you sell a covered building, you must give the buyer its benchmarking information.
Old City ordinance vs. the state program
Owners who reported under the City ordinance will find the State program familiar. The main differences are:
| Topic | Old Saint Paul ordinance | Minnesota state program (now) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Discontinued in 2025 | In effect |
| Who’s covered | Buildings over 50,000 sq ft | Buildings 50,000+ sq ft |
| Reported to | City of Saint Paul | Minnesota Department of Commerce |
| Public data | Partial disclosure option | Full disclosure with star ratings |
| Penalty | City enforcement | $1,000 after a grace period |
Strong track record: In its last year, 93% of covered Saint Paul buildings complied, and their median ENERGY STAR score was 85, well above the national median of 50.
What utilities are required for benchmarking reporting?
- Electricity
- Natural Gas
- District Steam
- District Hot & Chilled Water
- Any other purchased fuel
Many downtown Saint Paul buildings are served by district energy, which must be included in your report.
Why does benchmarking matter in Saint Paul?
Benchmarked buildings use a large share of Saint Paul’s building energy. Reporting to the State keeps that progress going in two ways:
Track and cut energy use. Saint Paul’s benchmarked buildings cut their median energy use intensity by 11% from 2019 to 2023.
Show performance. Public state ratings help tenants and buyers compare buildings. Top performers can earn ENERGY STAR certification.
See our full Minnesota benchmarking guide, our Minneapolis guide, or our energy benchmarking compliance guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do Saint Paul buildings still have to benchmark?
Yes. The City ended its own ordinance in 2025, but buildings of 50,000+ sq ft must now report to the State of Minnesota.
When is the deadline?
June 1 every year. The next deadline is June 1, 2027 for 2026 data.
Do I still report to the City?
No. Report to the Minnesota Department of Commerce through its benchmarking portal.
What is the penalty?
After a notice and a grace period, the State can impose a $1,000 civil fine.
Can Energy Fave file my Saint Paul report?
Yes. Energy Fave can set up your State Building ID, request Xcel Energy data and submit your report to the State on time.
Interested in benchmarking help?
Saint Paul at a Glance
- Status
- City ordinance ended; State in charge
- Who's covered
- Buildings 50,000+ sq ft
- Next deadline
- June 1, 2027The 2026 report was due June 1, 2026. Not filed yet? We can file it now →
- Late penalty
- $1,000 after a grace period
- Reporting tool
- Portfolio Manager + State portal